Enjoyable stay but not 4 star as advertised
I recently stayed at a hotel that was marketed as a 4-star establishment on lastminute.com, and while there were definitely some positives to my experience, I must admit that the hotel did not quite live up to its advertised rating.
Let's start with the positive aspects:
Pros:
The reception staff at the hotel were notably friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Their warm demeanor and willingness to assist were a highlight.
The information desk staff were also commendable for their friendliness and their dedication to promoting and selling various excursions and tours. Their expertise in this area was appreciated.
The hotel boasted a range of recreational facilities including tennis, volleyball, mini-golf, table tennis, and a swimming pool complete with a convenient poolside bar. These amenities certainly contributed to an enjoyable leisure experience.
In terms of location, the hotel's proximity to the city center and beaches was a definite plus. It made exploring the area and enjoying the local attractions quite convenient.
Additionally, the air conditioning in the hotel bedroom was functional and provided a comfortable environment to retreat to after a day of activities.
Cons:
While there were positives, there were also areas that fell short:
The breakfast experience left much to be desired. Essential items such as croissants and pastries were frequently absent, and the quality of certain items like eggs and bacon often suffered from overcooking. The layout of the buffet was confusing, making it difficult to locate specific foods.
Furthermore, the breakfast juice machines were either empty or malfunctioning during my stay, which was quite disappointing for those looking forward to a refreshing morning beverage.
The state of the hotel room's bathroom was far from satisfactory. Outdated showers and a stained shower curtain, combined with scaling in various areas, painted a picture of neglect.
The overall condition of the hotel room was in need of updating, particularly in terms of the furniture. This gave the impression of a lack of attention to the details that contribute to a comfortable stay.
Housekeeping also left something to be desired, as incorrect towels were frequently provided, and there seemed to be a lack of staff available after 3 pm to rectify such issues.
In summary, my stay at the hotel was enjoyable, yet it fell short of what I would consider a genuine 4-star experience. While there were friendly staff and a good range of activities available, there are areas that need immediate attention. The breakfast service should be improved with consistent offerings and functionality, housekeeping protocols need refining, and the hotel's overall condition could benefit from a significant refurbishment to meet the standards expected of a 4-star establishment. I would give it 2/3 star rating.
A neighboring hotel, across the road, sets a good example of what 3-4 star hotel should be.
16 August 2023
Unprompted review